In Chris McKinney’s “The Tattoo” many sociological concepts are evident. One of the key aspects of the social schemata is the influence that the prison environment has on the prisoners. The Halawa prison in particular is unique to other national prisons due to the pluralistic nature of Hawaii. Hawaii itself demonstrates structural pluralism, as Hawaiian culture is existent within the confines of the US though both cultures have very different structures. Within the prison there is cultural pluralism between the prisoners and the guards. Inmates mentioned were Hawaiian, Filipino, Samoan, Korean, Vietnamese, and haole (40). The pacific culture were seemingly different yet respected. In prison the cultural values all seem to stack up in unison when the stratification of prisoners is concerned. The behavior behind bars and the crime that put them there ultimately determines the rank among other inmates(40).
From the beginning of Ken’s story the components of society grow from his recollections. His dreamlike encounter of his birth shares the strong connection that he has with his ancestry and the culture of which he is born a member. The fishing trip, one of his earlier memories as a boy, demonstrates the elements of friends and family. It is evident that the society is more focused on the ties of relations and the interconnectedness of families and people. Today’s society seems much different as people exploit their own brother or sister or father or mother just to get ahead financially.
Having and sharing time with cousins, aunties, and uncles seems to be an important family element. These aspects of the non-material culture grow in detail as Ken reveals. Ken’s dad enforces from the beginning the vision he has for his masculine son. This is evident when Dad throws him into the ocean when he didn’t know how to swim (17) and when he makes him touch the shark they caught that was still living when they brought it to shore (24). There seems to be this expectation of his son to fulfill the characteristic role in society. As Ken grows so does his father’s expectation. Ken’s mom’s influence is not as strong as his fathers since she died when Ken was still a boy. His mother was very fond of him and often in ways smothered him with motherly love. The impact of his grandpa is tremendous. Learning through his stories distinguishes them as immigrants and somewhat of a minority.
Education was an important aspect for Ken. His father mentions a couple times not to speak pidgin and that he should speak properly like his mother. The fact that she was a schoolteacher and read great literary works also rubbed off on Ken. He tended to have higher aspirations and this sense of a greater enlightenment that he would achieve great things. Language plays a huge role in this factor. The differentiation between proper English and Pidgin is also a part of cultural assimilation. Ken in this case learned to speak both and used them accordingly. As respect he was not to speak pidgin in front of his father, but in prison to gain respect he spoke it in front of other inmates. Ethnophaulisms are also brought into picture through this example, the term haole and jap are used in derogatory means against the white and Japanese.
Power is a common theme throughout the story. The power that Ken earns through his first fight, playing football and drug dealing has an effect on his development image of himself. Koa accompanies Ken through many of his momentous life experiences. His best friend and affectionately deemed brother is his partner in crime. Koa blocked for Ken in football and when getting chased by a rancher. Together the two young men sold weed and then cocaine. Throughout these phases of life they were there for each other. The emphasis on family is important here again as well. The relationships established between them fostered great trust.
Social stratification is something that falls into several different parts of Ken’s life. He usually seems to have power either by force and strength or through the resources he has. There is prestige in his role in the ring of society of which he consorts. Especially when he and Koa are selling drugs at the cockfights.
Many elements come together in this book. The span of Ken’s life applies to many different scenarios, environments, and relationships. There are many different aspects of socialization applicable to his life experiences and his biographical tale shared with Cal.
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